“Living to love God and serve our local communities”

Welcome to St James’s Church! We are a warm, inclusive and outgoing Christian family of all ages from all parts of the community, which is delighted to welcome new people. Everybody has a place in the worship of our great God and Father; all are welcome at God’s communion table, at the gatherings on Sundays and midweek, and at our social meetings and parties. We love children, and the noise they make reminds us of their value! There is a children’s group to join and toys and books are available at the back of the church. We would very much like to welcome you for coffee or tea after the services, to help ensure that you are included in our vibrant church and community life, and have the opportunity to learn more about our faith.

Our vicar, the Rev Eric Lomax

In January 2017 we welcomed our vicar, the Rev Eric Lomax, who, with his wife Liz, came to us from Colsterworth in Lincolnshire. Eric was licensed in a joyful and uplifting uplifting service at All Saints Church Kempston, our sister church.

Our service times are:

Our 9am Sunday services

Every Sunday morning, except the first Sunday of the month, we take Holy Communion at the main service, followed by tea & coffee in the church barn.

At the same time, on every Sunday except the first, there is Sunday School (“Explorers”) in the church barn, at which all children are very welcome. This runs during school term time.

The first Sunday of the month is an All Age service, where the children join us for the main service. This is often less formal & slightly shorter, and doesn’t have a Holy Communion.

Our 6pm Sunday services

On the first Sunday of the month there is Holy Communion here at St James.

On the 2nd Sunday of the month there is sung evensong at our sister church, All Saints, Kempston (MK43 8RH).

On the 3rd Sunday of the month there is evening prayer here at St James.

We would invite you to take a virtual tour around our church, though it is much livelier when it is full of members of our church family

Psalm 23 for the working man or woman

The Lord is my Mentor, He equips me for the task he has called me to do.

He supplies moments for reflection, in which he can restore the vision of my calling.

He keeps me in touch with the ideas of best practice, So that the quality of my work continues to be a good witness to his Lordship.

Even though I feel utterly overwhelmed with the demands of the job, I need not fear any disaster

If I stick with You even when the going is really tough

You rescue me with the sound advice and strengthening reassurance that I need.

You prepare a deep sense of fulfillment in the Christian dimension of my work, Even though colleagues may seem to despise my faith.

There’s an anointing on my care of clients, and I sense their delight as it overflows as calm in their anxiety.

The Lord’s wisdom and kindness will go on enfolding me right through my career,

Until I rest in the joy of hearing his approval of my life’s work well done.

With thanks to Dr John Caroe, chairman of PRIME, the mission society I work for. Edwin